Former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, will be presented with the Special Recognition Award at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year gala awards ceremony.
The Mayo man will be recognised at the 27th awards which are due to be held at the Powerscourt Hotel, Co. Wicklow on Thursday November 28th.
The EY citation notes "Mr Kenny has had an illustrious career in Government spanning more than four decades.
"He was leader of Fine Gael from 2002 to 2017 and served as Taoiseach from 2011 to 2017.
"Under his leadership, Fine Gael became the largest political organisation in Ireland."
Enda Kenny entered politics in the 1970s, becoming the youngest member of the 20th Dáil at the age of 24.
He held a number of roles in office including, TD for Mayo West and Mayo, Minister of State at the Department of Labour and Department of Education with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Trade, and Minister for Defence.
He made history as the first Fine Gael member to be elected Taoiseach for a second consecutive term in 2016 and became the longest-serving Fine Gael Taoiseach.
Mr Roger Wallace, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Partner Lead said: “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate transformative leaders who leave a lasting legacy. That’s why our decision to award former Taoiseach Enda Kenny is fitting for so many reasons.
“During his tenure as Taoiseach, Enda Kenny lead Ireland through challenging times and helped to stablise the economy following the financial crisis.
"He was not afraid to make tough choices and implement measures that helped to restore investor confidence and create a stable economic environment for businesses to thrive.
“By restoring confidence and pride in our nation Enda Kenny was instrumental in redefining Ireland’s place in the world. His career remains a truly exceptional one in Irish politics.
"With this award we thank and applaud him for his outstanding contribution to Irish politics and the prosperity of our island.”
Enda Kenny said: “I am honoured to receive the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Special Recognition Award. Entrepreneurship is something we excel at in Ireland and I am truly grateful to be recognised amongst this esteemed group.
"Supporting and cultivating our business and entrepreneurial community is incredibly important for a robust and thriving economy.
"It is brilliant to see the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme shine a light on the many fantastic Irish entrepreneurs that are having a positive impact on Ireland’s economy and society.”
Mr Kenny joins a long list of distinguished recipients of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Special Recognition Award.
Previous recipients include, David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, Mary Davis, CEO Special Olympics International (2022), Mary Robinson (2021), members of An Garda Síochana and the HSE for their work during COVID-19 (2020), Joe Schmidt, Irish Rugby (2019), Sean O’Sullivan of SOSV (2018), Aoibheann O’Brien and Iseult Ward of Foodcloud (2017), Susan McKenna-Lawlor, MD of Space Technology Ireland (2016), Fr. Peter McVerry (2015), Peter Sutherland (2014), Denis Brosnan, Kerry Group (2013), Martin Naughton, Glen Dimplex Group (2012) Anna May McHugh, MD of the National Ploughing Championship (2011), Senator Martin McAleese (2010).
Photo: From left: Roger Wallace, Partner Lead, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, Eimear McCrann, Director, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, and Enda Kenny.
